Under Dash Support and Finish

[juddster]

Thought I'd share what I recently did to finish off under the dash and provide dash support.

I started off with 24" x 24" black 1/8" sheet plastic that is textured on one side. I used one sheet to do each side and then had enough left to do the center piece. Took a bit of work creating a template using cardboard, but once I had that it went pretty good. Had to do some trimming after my first cut on the plastic. I used a jig saw to do the initial cuts and then sheet metal shears to do the trimming. I used a heat gun to make bends and to get rid of white marks on the plastic where I made cuts. I made a rough mold for the center piece and a used the heat gun to soften the plastic and then used my hands, with gloves on, to push the plastic around the mold.

I mounted them with torx screws into the frame/sheet metal and the dash bend. It fit nicely around the fuse box, inertia switch and OBDII connector.

Turned out better than I'd hoped and the support it provides to the dash is great. The push button start is solid and when I pull the heat switch it doesn't move at all. The sheets also provide a nice mount for the heater vents. I used some swivel vents that can be opened and closed as needed off Amazon. Mounted the Speedhut light dimmer as well. Keeps it hidden.

I hope the pics are OK. Weird angle to get some good pics.


Driver
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=174990&d=1668655939

Passenger
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=174992&d=1668655939

Center
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=174991&d=1668655939

[Tbev]

That looks awesome! Question, where did you get those heater and wiper knobs?

[egchewy79]

love the leather dash. panels look great as well.

[juddster]

That looks awesome! Question, where did you get those heater and wiper knobs?

Got the knobs off Amazon. I think they are for more of an electronics applications, but I liked the look and needed a common aluminum theme to match other stuff. Then had them laser marked by a local guy.

[Tbev]

Got the knobs off Amazon. I think they are for more of an electronics applications, but I liked the look and needed a common aluminum theme to match other stuff. Then had them laser marked by a local guy.

Very nice. Wasn't sure if you bought them that way or not. I was planning on doing the same thing with the knobs that I bought.

[danmas]

Awesome. Would you share a wider view of your cockpit? That looks just awesome.

[juddster]

Awesome. Would you share a wider view of your cockpit? That looks just awesome.

Here are some pics. If you'd like something more specific let me know and I'll snap some more.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=175028&d=1668714696

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=175029&d=1668714696

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=175027&d=1668714696

[dbo_texas]

Is that the FFR carbon fiber dash underneath?

[cc2Arider]

Nice work Juddster! Such a treat to see the many different ways we can make these our own creations :)

Craig C

[JohnK]

Beautiful work - thanks for sharing!

One comment - I don't believe the inertia switch is intended to be mounted in that orientation. I think the red rubber part with the reset button has to be facing up in order for it to work properly.

[juddster]

Is that the FFR carbon fiber dash underneath?

It isn't, but that's what inspired me. Love the clean look of the carbon fiber dash. I used a place called Oshcut.com to make a custom dash. It was $150 and included the .090 aluminum. Really like the thicker aluminum. I used a trial version of Autocad LT to make a drawing and then sent it to Oshcut. Pretty good online system that you can see your job and get an instant quote. I used a local machine shop for the aluminum piece where the buttons are located. I used Pemserts to hold the button plate and the glove box to the dash.

[juddster]

Beautiful work - thanks for sharing!

One comment - I don't believe the inertia switch is intended to be mounted in that orientation. I think the red rubber part with the reset button has to be facing up in order for it to work properly.


Thanks and thanks for the inertia switch insight, good to know.

[danmas]

Rally nice looking. Super impressed!

[bil1024]

Incredible

[F500guy]

Another bar...looks amazing!

[toadster]

AWESOME! agreed the inertia switch needs inverted

love the knobs! the vents! the stitching! EVERYTHING!

[RJD]

The dash support looks great. Beautiful, classy interior.

That ABS plastic can also streamline the door latch area.

175191

[John Ibele]

That’s fine work. Nice warm look with the brown leather. Another classic tribute to the originals.

[Badfish]

Excellent job. I did something similar with sheet metal that I covered with dashpad-like material. Went from the bottom of the dash to the bottom of the 2x2. Did not turn out as nice as yours!

Love the tan interior too.